It's an interesting topic. A couple books that I have read on the topic Understanding Toscanini by Joseph Horowitz (kind of poppy Adorno, who truly despised Toscanini, who perhaps did not deserve this ire, the story is actually kind of sad at times) and The Maestro Myth.
However, the biggest two celebrities of U.S. classical music (both conductors and composers) were distinctly of the left, Leonard Bernstein and Aaron Copland. Bernstein's Children's concerts both operating within the logic of the celebrity conductor, and a democratizing effort.
robert wood
> On Lou's Marxism list, there was a discussion about class and classical
> music. This is a section from my Invisible Handcuffs book, which seemed
> relevant. I am far from an expert on music, so I would appreciate any
> feedback you have:
>
> http://michaelperelman.wordpress.com/2009/08/27/class-and-classical-music/
>
>
> --
> Michael Perelman
> Economics Department
> California State University
> Chico, CA 95929
>
> Tel. 530-898-5321
> E-Mail michael at ecst.csuchico.edu
> michaelperelman.wordpress.com
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